Without even having to watch the Danny Boyle directed film, we can already envision the zipping energy presented on screen – just by playing this vibrant soundtrack album containing music composed by Bollywood scoring auteur A. R. Rahman. Adding to the spice to the eclectic soundtrack is British songwriter, record producer and vocalist Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, better known by her stage name “M.I.A.”.

Other than the two remixes of the artisite’s Grammy Award nominated “Paper Planes”, one highlight to listen out for is her collaborative effort with Rahman “O… Saya”, a heart thumping song that propulses you into a hip hop frenzy. It then segues into the dynamic “Riots”, a score cue that propels your senses onto a whole new level. “Mausam & Escape” soothes things a little with its ethnic orchestrations, but not for long – because the four minute track ultimately culminates in a soaring dramatic finale that everyone will nod, sway, and to put it simply, say “yes” to.

And what’s a film set in Mumbai without some lovely Indian songs on its soundtrack? Listen out for the melodious “Ringa Ringa” and “Aaj Ki Raat” – they prove that one doesn’t need to understand the language to appreciate the beauty of music.

Rahman’s talent in creating an ecstatic soundscape can be heard in “Liquid Dance”, “Latika’s Theme” and “Millionaire”, where ethnic beats are fused with contemporary rhythms to create some truly memorable sounds. These are indeed some of the most outstanding compostitions we have heard in recent times.

And for this, Rahman has earned himself three nominations at the 81st Academy Awards – one for “Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score” and two (!) for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song. The two deserving tunes nominated are the abovementioned “O… Saya” and the unforgettable “Jai Ho”, which concludes the album on a remarkably impressive note.

Go get this album to embark on an extraordinary listening journey to become a true blue slumdog millionaire.